Real life zombies: the mind-bending power of parasites

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We are all fascinated by zombies; we all love to watch zombie horror movies and TV shows. But what if we told you that real zombies do exist, maybe not flesh-eating ones depicted in Hollywood, but even stranger ones in nature? We might be surrounded by zombies and not even know about it! Come hear Will Shim tell you unbelievable tales about the mind-bending powers of parasites in their hosts.

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. The talk will be held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

6:15 pm: Snacks and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.

Meet the Lemurs!

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Lemurs are primates found only in Madagascar. In fact, Madagascar is home to many animals and plants that are found nowhere else in the world. What makes Madagascar unique and how did over 100 species of lemurs evolve on this island? Come to learn about these fascinating and highly endangered creatures and how scientists and organizations are working to protect them.

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. The talk will be held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

6:00 pm: Food and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.

6:15 pm: No tours this week because the sun will have set, so kid’s activities start early! Meet with our children’s division for fun activities designed for all ages.

6:45 pm: Short presentation about the history and current uses of Brackenridge Field Laboratory.

7:00 pm: Settle in, because the talk begins now!

Additional announcements (11/10):
1) No rain is expected so we will be holding the event outdoors. Bring jackets/sweaters though, it’ll be chilly!
2) We finally have more tshirts for sale, and these have a new, awesome design! If you’re interested in purchasing, please bring cash.

Glow, Baby, Glow! Marine Life Lights Up the Oceans

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Many kinds of animal glow in the dark. Have you ever wondered why? How is it possible for some animals to glow while us humans cannot? In this talk we will explore stories of animals in the oceans that glow and the reasons why such a phenomenon exists.

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. The talk will be held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

7:00 pm: Food and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.

Gotta Catch ‘Em All: Real Life Pokemon

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Pokémon Go has encouraged everyone to go outside and catch Pokémon with their phones. Did you know that most Pokémon are based on real animals, many of which you can find right here in Texas? And you can use apps just like Pokémon Go to find them – while helping scientists with their research at the same time. Come out and learn the many ways in which citizen science has helped researchers around the world–and how you can get involved too!

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. The talk will be held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Here’s the schedule for this month’s event:

7:00 pm: Food and displays of local animals and plants found at Brackenridge Field Laboratory will be available.

We hope everyone had a wonderful summer off! Now that school’s back in session, please save the date to come and hear these awesome speakers.

September 8 at 8pm: Anne Chambers (real-life Pokemon)

October 13 at 8pm: Marie Strader (glowing oceans)

November 10 at 7pm: Amanda Perofsky (infectious disease and conservation)

December 8 at 7pm: Will Shim (zombie parasites)

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. Events are held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Arrive early for refreshments and fun activities for kids of all ages!

(As a note, we cannot guarantee that any provided refreshments will be free of allergens.)

Science Under the Stars is a free public outreach lecture series in Austin, Texas. Events are held outdoors at Brackenridge Field Laboratory, 2907 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, Texas 78703. Arrive early for refreshments and fun activities for kids of all ages!

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An update on parking at BFL: new signs have been placed in the parking lot that state that parking is only allowed for UT permit-holders. Please disregard these signs; you are allowed to park at BFL for SUTS!

It’s that time of the year, mark your calendars! We have four speakers scheduled for an exciting semester of talks, on the second Thursday of every month: September 12: Megan O’Connell – Bees go grocery shopping Special event! September 19: Larry Gilbert – The history and role of Brackenridge Field Laboratory at 52 years and counting […]